To a fine Live Arts!
At this point, it’s fair to say that Nick Stuccio isn’t easily impressed. As producing director of the Philadelphia Live Arts Festival, he’s spent the past 13 years curating an international showcase of contemporary arts, traveling the world for something new — which, luckily, he still always finds.
True life, true story
This summer, the editor-in-chief of Fandango.com, Chuck Walton, decided to watch 100 films in 100 days. And although he might be approaching movie fatigue at this point, he was able to talk with us about what documentaries will soon be big.
We won’t diss ‘Distance’
REVIEW. Most coastal city-dwellers who are familiar with the grittier, busier side of life, relationships and indie-rock bands will love “Going the Distance”; the rest of America, not so much.
Fall awakening
September traditionally means restaurant openings, and 2010 will be no exception, as some of the most anticipated restaurants of the year are slated to swing open their doors.
‘Divine decadence darling!’
It’s a book, a play, a Broadway musical, a film — and now the American Repertory Theater is rebooting the story behind “Cabaret” as an interactive theater piece.
Didn’t I see that one already?
Hollywood loves a good formula, and this fall movie season is rife with tried-and-true plot setups that will give you deja vu.
Living on the Fringe
For over a year, actor Armando Batista scribbled away his feelings on identity and race in America in composition books. But it wasn’t until he shared the writings with his roommate that his one-man show, “M.A.C.H.O.?”, began to take shape
Fear no beer while here
While you can certainly find a decent number of micro-brews on tap at the city’s better pubs, it’s safe to say you won’t see a selection like this anywhere else when the Massachusetts Brewers Guild holds the Mass Brewers Summerfest on Friday. The festival brings 80 local craft beers from more than 20 breweries all together in one place.
Fall awakening
Some high-profile kitchens are set to open their doors this month Where you’ll want to snag a table Plus, two food trucks to track
September traditionally means restaurant openings, and 2010 will be no exception, as some of the most anticipated restaurants of the year are slated to swing open their doors.
Branching out
Positive reviews of Wye Oak’s first two albums group the Baltimore duo into indie rock subgenres with compounds like dream-pop, shoegaze and psych-folk. Writers use words like “autumnal,” “soothing” and “swelling” to describe the music. But if their new EP is any indication, singer/guitarist Jenn Wasner and drummer/keyboardist Andy Stack are eager to branch out beyond this delicate praise.
Rock the Bells rocks a fierce hip-hop lineup
Hip-hop is built on the relationship between the DJ and the MC. And that synergy is the foundation of “Kill Devil Hills,” the latest album in DJ Muggs’ “Vs.” series. The DJ and producer behind the legendary Cypress Hill has been pairing up with other greats to create a hip-hop purist’s dream. That teamwork will be on display at the Rock the Bells festival this Saturday when Muggs hits the stage with underground favorite Ill Bill.
The fantastic Mr. Sanderson
Brandon Sanderson, the “young fantasy master” (as his publisher’s promotional material dubs him), was until quite recently somewhat of a major nobody. Just a short time later, he’s taken the reins of the most epic of epic fantasies, the “Wheel of Time” series; released a trilogy and a stand-alone novel; and has even started on a massive series of his own, “The Way of Kings.” You might say he’s a bit of a workaholic. “It’s been a lot of long hours,” says Sanderson.
‘Housewives’: The Beverly pill-billies?
Coming fresh off of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” reunion (did you all catch that horror show? One word: cray-cray) is the announcement that Bravo is set to release yet another Real Housewives franchise, “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” next month.
Pure madness
Not only has suave Don Draper held hearts hostage ever since the premiere of 1960s period drama “Mad Men” — the era itself has been an increasingly scintillating subject matter for avid followers of the show.
James and Von D going tit-for-tat
Kat Von D and Jesse James were spotted in Texas over the weekend holding hands. “L.A. Ink” star Von D commented on dating James via Twitter two weeks ago, writing “Yes, Jesse and I are dating,” but then deleted the post.
Anything but a mundane ride on the rails
The off-Broadway show “Tales from the Tunnel,” playing at Bleecker Street Theatre, takes all of our simultaneously shared and unique experiences of riding the smelly, humid rails of the MTA and compiles them into a 90-minute play. With a vibrant cast of six that brings dozens of characters to life, this new production jumps between those riders rich and poor, young and old, new-age and old-fashioned. Of course, some tales are familiar — we all know that musician who thinks he has a good voice — but what makes “Tales from the Tunnel” refreshing is the power of the acting from the performers.
Emmys finally enter the 21st century
The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences gave Emmy a facelift in her 62nd year, enlisting boyish “Late Night” star Jimmy Fallon as host and incorporating a number of his show’s youth-skewing hallmarks — including Twitter and musical spoofs — into the awards show.
Paris Hilton comes back with a snort
This weekend was one of stars, drugs and people unclear of the concepts. After Paris Hilton’s arrest for cocaine possession in Las Vegas on Friday, her attorney, David Chesnoff, released a statement that showed that he doesn’t know a thing about his client.
Funny business
Prince claimed last month that the Internet is dead, but the 52-year-old singer may not be as tapped into the signs of the times as he once was. As more consumers head online to get their entertainment, so does the advertising money — and as we all know, money is power.
Jonas Brothers are growing up
It’s impossible not to notice how the faces in this photo have matured since you last saw the Jonas Brothers — that is, unless you’re one of the rabid fans who have made their previous tours into sell-out smashes.
We’re with The Dude
Universal Pictures wasn’t exactly thrilled to see images from “The Big Lebowski” on Timothy Maxwell’s website. But only a bunch of castrating nihilists would sue The Dude Hates Cancer, Maxwell’s annual bowling benefit for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
You’ve been hit by a smooth criminal
It’s not immediately apparent why T.I. was attracted to his character in “Takers.” Recently released from prison after a job gone wrong, Ghost is a suspicious outsider among his former group of super-sleek gangsters. And although they’re all technically bad guys, the charismatic high-rollers — including Idris Elba, Paul Walker and Chris Brown — are easy to root for with their Danny Ocean swaggers and professionally cool bank heists.
Entertainment
Out like a light
Cheers to cheap happy hours
Lindsay has terrible medical insurance
Jacki Weaver is going into the wild
Having a mighty fine (glass of) wine
A kick in the pointy teeth
No longer neglected
Lohan might be back in the world
The truth about dying for your country
Mind-blowing ‘Sex’ and giggles
Say goodbye to Mr. Nice Guy
Scissor Sisters cut up and start over
Aniston and Mayer, back together?
It’s still a great idea to dance!!!
Matters of Matters of
‘True Blood’ heads to the altar, sans kink
Nanny McPhee is on the job
‘Lottery Ticket’ not a winner
Behind Enemies’ lines
The band that just keeps on Giving
Ice Cube on keeping cool
A sticky situation turns into a mindless rom-com
After 16 years, the Kids are all right
This week in celeb book deals
Back in da club
The attack of the ripened tomatoes
Summertime and you’re feeling wine?
When having it all isn’t enough
Metal of honor: Rob Halford gets spiritual
Dude looks like he’s judging?
Anything but ‘Expendables’
Too many cooks? Never
Celebrating the art of drinking
For the love of forced rhymes
Happy Wednesday from a very nude Halle Berry
Taking center stage
Having fun out on the Fringe
Her mind is a muscle, her body is a pretzel
The ultimate drama queen
The story behind the diaries of the daring undead
Almost famous, totally rocking
Bieber: Adorable Twitter terrorist
Showtime’s ‘The Big C’ avoids the big D
‘Millionaire Matchmaker’ Patti Stanger without a mate
Eat, pray, loving his job
Tears for Fears and in between years
Back in the saddle again ... officially
View the Bard under the stars
Girls’ night out at the Joyce
The last action heroes
‘Eat’ of the moment
Fight cub
‘Scott Pilgrim’ is armed with fresh new tricks
From Neverland to Kensington
Andy Molholt, we do expect that egg hunt
A whole new hassle for the Hoff
Muddling to become Tanqueray’s mix master
The Market is going Dutch this weekend
A serious summer gig
Sure to fall in love with old Cape Cod
Where to go and what to do in Boston
Outlook for Company One is pretty ‘Grimm’
Jennifer Lopez too much of a diva for ‘Idol’?
Destiny, destiny, gods, destiny, gods, gods
How Britney Spears will get ‘Glee’-ful
Howling with ‘The Hound’ and Holmes
Stranger than science fiction
Divorce, write, publish, sell
Johnston debuts new girl at Teen Choice Awards
She’s not that ‘angry chick from the ’90s’
Keeping one step ahead
Will Ferrell’s back on top of box office
Money can’t buy you class — or a gaudy chess set
Public Enemy bum rush the planet
Experimental art needs a message
This dance flick is out of step
Working like a dog
Great partners against crime
Hollywood news robot to retire
Behind the pottery wheel at First Friday
Avoiding the Kiss of death
Mark Wahlberg: The funny guy?
Putting a bug in your ear
Going way off the Deep end
Newport Folk Festival in Photos part two — a different view
‘Real Housewives’ without catfights?
From party girl to ‘Bachelorette’
A farm-raised dinner ... in Queens?
Latest but not least, East by Northeast
That’s the spirit, Philly
Newport Folk Festival in Photos part one
Bieber is overtaking the media
America’s take on the Iraq war
Too much sprawl in their setlist
SPACE: The final (boring?) frontier
Being thankful for ‘What We Have’
The world to Lady Gaga: Duh
What it takes to really ‘get low’
There’s music in the air at Lincoln Center
Till all the gossip columns lose interest do they part
An ‘American’ Anthem is here
Table for two
This charming man is hardly just an ‘Extra’
‘I Will Remember You’
Fear not: Bette Midler doesn’t want revenge
‘Schmucks’ is basically bupkis
Rabbis, controversy, and jail time at Chelsea’s wedding
It’s Efron overload
Third floor’s a charm at Adrienne Theater
She’s ready to Crosse the bridge
Dinner and a movie plus something more
Drink like a real ‘Mad’ man
Todd Solondz isn’t sorry
Au revoir, Le Bec-Fin
Will Rihanna sink that ‘Battleship’?
With a grain of ‘Salt,’ Ejiofor is taking action
Till death do these bachelorettes party
‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ for West Philly
Get your ‘Hands All Over’ Maroon 5
Meet your tour guide to ‘Sick City’
A night at the museum
Paris Hilton: So not a Nazi?
Comic-Con: Celebrity, stabbing and comics
‘Celebrity Rehab’ admits Eric Roberts
Pumpkins must never be apart
The sound alone is all they need to get by
Jolie worth her ‘Salt’
Angelina mans up for ‘Salt’
Real life espionage: Stranger than fiction
Madly in love
Talking point
It’s official: Brad and Angelina are happy
He’s so fresh and so ‘Lucious’ Big Boi answers the phone with an “El-low mann,” horsing around in a fake island accent. The time seems right for fun and games, since the rapper, half of mega hip-hop group Outkast, finally released his delayed solo project “Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty.” The release comes after an extended period of drama with his former record label. Jive held the album for nearly three years, saying it was too artsy to put out. So Big Boi went to Def Jam. A creative mix of funk, soul, electro and retro sounds — like nothing you’ve ever heard, and everything you want to dance to — “Sir Lucious” debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard charts and is receiving tremendous critical acclaim. Hell, notoriously biting Pitchfork even gave the album a 9.2. So is it time to walk around the Jive offices with an I-told-you-so smirk? “I didn’t have to tell them, I think the world is telling them,” says Big Boi. “You have to leave the music-making to the professionals and let the suits do the suit thang.” Even when Jive shelved the project, the Atlanta native says he never considered tweaking his work: “I’d rather not do music if I had to conform to today’s standards. I know what I wanted it to sound like. And I’m definitely not a quitter. ... I’m proud of myself for doing it. Since this is a true stand-alone project it’s gratifying to show that this is the type of jams that one man out of the group can make.”
A Dreamer comes true
Where there’s ‘Smoke’ ...
Sip these fruity, fun cocktails to beat the heat
Brooklyn for your taste buds
It’s just a taped-off box — then he enters
When a popsicle just doesn’t cut it
Lindsay having a ‘difficult time’
Turning ‘Ovo’ a new leaf
10 Movies to watch this weekend
The Gallows: A really cool place to hang
Marching to the beat of their own drum
What if Snooki hires someone to do laundry?!
Kelis: She’s back in the ‘Flesh Tone’
Eating his words
Four comedians walk into a park ...
Order in Lindsay’s court
It’s ballet for a ‘new century’
Reclaiming their inner divas, one wig at a time
And now for something completely different
A dream role for Murphy
Thrilling close to QFest
Spencer Pratt’s bizarre week
He will read you
Nic is just so ‘eccentric’
Tracking down ‘Winnebago Man’
Chasing the dream
Confusing in a good way, Nolan’s got a hit
Bristol and Levi: The Johnstons react
Pilobolus’ antics bring comics to life
Euphoric Enrique
Ten years later, Siren’s still calling
Emily Rose discovers an unusual home in ‘Haven’
When your back-up plan involves sequins
Oh, la la! It’s a Bastille Day party
Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem get hitched in secret
Where to go and what to do in Boston
Go where the sky’s the limit
Don’t stop at the second helpings
The director with the really enormous project
10 Movies to watch this weekend
Readers respond to mad Mel
Judging a book by its cover
Mel Gibson finally figures out how to destroy his career
With Batman, siblings ‘Boogie Down,’ grow up
Squeeze reinvents the hits — their own hits
Drink like a real (old) man
Warped Tour singer tends to get lost in Motion
Boutique goes bold
An in-jean-ius plan
A tale of Second City
Going from ‘Wild Things’ to more ‘Dreadful Things’
‘Despicable Me’ takes in a not-so-terrible $60.1 million
A weekend of celebrity weddings
‘Something that a bunch of different people could hear’
Public’s titillating ‘Tale’
Trouble in paradise
Fresh faces vie for Emmys
Cliff still has many rivers to cross
Ruffalo is more than ‘All Right’
There is little thrill in this hunt
Aging gracefully and loathing it
Right on, QFest
A baby for Jessica Simpson? Not so fast
Piano-man to muscle man
Mary Callanan is so ‘Red Hot’
Segel’s like a kid in a puppet shop
The other black stars of Ghana
Lindsay forgot the ‘P’ after ‘U’
10 Movies to watch this weekend
Prince isn’t impressed by the Internet
Theater gets a breath of fresh air in the park
The grilled cheese meets its match
Conscientious consumers rejoice!
Where to go and what to do in Boston
Oh, what an M. Night Shyamalan
Lohan is livin’ la vida lockup
The art of destruction
Enjoying every last drop
The last Shyamalan film that you will see
10 Movies to watch this weekend
The blood suckers just keep coming
Born (to party) on the Fourth of July
May the Fourth be with him
The Girlfriends right next door
She & Him go for both ‘melancholy and happy’
Hyde Square is out of hiding
Where to party for the Fourth
Festive dining in the city
A monster, a victim, a hell of a performance
Third time’s a mediocre charm for this ‘Twilight’
Readers respond to a possible Peas breakup
The queen of the brothel?
Swing into the night
A not so Leary goodbye
Cooking up a recipe for a magical story
The has-been with the dragon tattoo
Gibson’s ex says he won’t pay
The toys take top spot in box office
Pod short a Pea?
This summer, stay inside
A fun flick — for the actors, at least
Adam Sandler, all ‘Grown Up’
Oliver Stone goes south of the border
Dancing in the dark
Kate Gosselin gets Botoxed
Understanding their free Dom
Creepy or funny?
THE WEEK THAT WAS
Cruise, booze and great music
It’s true — Tom Cruise is back
Mel is making you very sleepy
An ‘Ordinary Radical’ in El Salvador
Tasty treats to fight the heat
Bring the beach to your barstool
A sort of homecoming for Conan
Stylish or divey
Ditch the office for a farm
